Wikipedia

List of teams that have overcome 3–1 series deficits

(Redirected from List of teams to overcome 3–1 series deficit)

The following is the list of teams that have overcome 3–1 series deficits mainly concerning North American professional sports within a best-of-seven series. The listed teams won three consecutive games after being down three games to one. Unsuccessful comebacks are also listed, in which teams evened a series after being behind 3–1, then lost the final game of the series.

The Chicago Cubs celebrating their victory in the 2016 World Series, which they won in seven games after trailing three games to one

The best-of-seven playoff structure is common in North American professional sports, particularly in the sports of baseball, basketball, and ice hockey. And prominently in three of the major North American professional sports leagues: Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League.

There are also some intermediate North American leagues below the major league level that use the best-of-seven format such as hockey's Calder Cup. The format is also used outside of North America, including the Taiwan Series baseball tournament, the final round of the Japan Series, the Chinese, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Turkish baseball leagues, and later rounds of the Gagarin Cup of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) based in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China.

All 3–1 deficit comebacks in a seven-game series involve winning three straight elimination games, finally featuring a double-elimination game seven. Longer series of this nature are almost always structured as single-elimination knockout tournaments, so one more loss ends playoff contention for the losing side.

This is similar to a comeback from a 2–0 series deficit in a best-of-five series, which also requires winning three straight games.

Implicit in overcoming a 3–1 series deficit are all teams who have overcome a 3–0 series deficit. These are noted in the series comment cells and—lacking an explicit column in the tabular format—can be identified with a "3–0".

Background

edit

Three major North American professional sports leagues have playoff series that can reach a seventh game: Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL). In the history of these leagues, teams that were down 3–1 in a series have come back to win the series 58 times; 14 times in MLB, 13 times in the NBA, and 31 times in the NHL. The most recent instance was accomplished by the Florida Panthers of the NHL in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

There have been three instances of a team coming back from a 3–1 deficit twice in the same postseason; occurring once in the MLB, NBA, and NHL. The most recent instance was by the Denver Nuggets in the 2020 NBA playoffs.

Key

edit
Indicates the team down 3–1 was the home team in game seven
Indicates series in the championship round
Eventual champion Indicates the series winner went on to win the championship

Major League Baseball

edit

Successful comebacks

edit

MLB teams have overcome 3–1 deficits 14 times (including one 3–0 deficit), six of which occurred in the World Series.[1] This does not count the 1903 World Series, during which the Boston Americans (or Puritans, or Pilgrims, depending on the source, and later known as the Red Sox) came back from a 3–1 deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates, five games to three, as that was a best-of-nine series.[2]

Year and series Series Winner Series Loser Note(s)
1925 World Series Pittsburgh Pirates Washington Senators First major North American professional sports team to overcome 3–1 deficit in a best-of-7 series.[3][4]
1958 World Series New York Yankees Milwaukee Braves Yankees win games six and seven in Milwaukee.[3][4]
1968 World Series Detroit Tigers St. Louis Cardinals Tigers won games six and seven in St. Louis. Outscored Cardinals 17–2 during those games.[3]
1979 World Series Pittsburgh Pirates Baltimore Orioles Pirates won games six and seven in Baltimore.[3][5]
1985 ALCS Kansas City Royals Toronto Blue Jays The Royals became the first MLB team to overcome two 2–0 and 3–1 deficits in the same postseason year. The first year the LCS became a seven-game series.[3][4]
1985 World Series Kansas City Royals St. Louis Cardinals
1986 ALCS Boston Red Sox California Angels The Angels were one strike away from winning the pennant in game five.[3][4]
1996 NLCS Atlanta Braves St. Louis Cardinals Braves outscored the Cardinals 32–1 over last three games.[4][6][7]
2003 NLCS Florida Marlins Chicago Cubs The Steve Bartman incident in Game 6; went on to win the World Series.[3]
2004 ALCS Boston Red Sox New York Yankees Overcame 3–0 deficit;[3][8] went on to win the World Series for first time since 1918.[4]
2007 ALCS Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Boston outscored Cleveland 30–5 in the final three games. Went on to win the World Series.[3][4]
2012 NLCS San Francisco Giants St. Louis Cardinals Also overcame 2–0 deficit in the NLDS;[9] went on to win the World Series. St. Louis' fourth blown 3–1 lead in franchise history.[3][4][10] The Giants outscored the Cardinals 20–1 in the final three games.
2016 World Series Chicago Cubs Cleveland Indians First World Series championship since 1908 World Series. Cubs won games six and seven in Cleveland. Only team to complete the comeback by winning the seventh game in extra innings.[3][4][11]
2020 NLCS[note 1] Los Angeles Dodgers Atlanta Braves Also trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win; went on to win the World Series for the first time since 1988. Series was played at a neutral site due to the COVID-19 pandemic with no off-days.[3][4][12]

Unsuccessful comebacks

edit

Six other MLB teams have evened the series after being down 3–1 (including one down 3–0), only to lose game seven.

Year and series Series Loser Series Winner Note(s)
1912 World Series New York Giants Boston Red Sox An eighth game was played in Boston following a tie in Game 2 due to darkness. The Giants were leading 2–1 heading to the bottom of tenth inning before Boston rallied to win 3–2.
1967 World Series Boston Red Sox St. Louis Cardinals Cardinals won game seven in Boston in Bob Gibson's third complete game victory of the Series. Of the five times the Cardinals have been forced into a game seven after leading a best-of-seven series 3–1, this is the only time they have been victorious in game seven.
1972 World Series Cincinnati Reds Oakland Athletics Athletics won game seven in Cincinnati, becoming the first team ever to win two winner-take-all games in the same year in MLB postseason history.
1992 NLCS Pittsburgh Pirates Atlanta Braves Game seven took place in Atlanta. The Pirates entered the bottom of the ninth leading 2–0, and were still ahead 2–1 and one out away from advancing to the World Series, but lost in the ninth inning courtesy of Francisco Cabrera's two-run single with the bases loaded as the Braves defeated the Pirates in the NLCS in seven games for the second straight year.
2008 ALCS Boston Red Sox Tampa Bay Rays Rays won the first League Championship Series after almost blowing a 3–1 lead since the 1992 Braves; they dethroned the defending champions.
2020 ALCS[note 1] Houston Astros Tampa Bay Rays Rays won the League Championship Series after almost blowing a 3–0 lead. Series was played at a neutral site due to the COVID-19 pandemic with no off-days.[13][14]

National Basketball Association

edit

Successful comebacks

edit

NBA teams have overcome 3–1 deficits 13 times, only one of which occurred in the NBA Finals.[15] The NBA is the only major North American sport with seven-game playoff series where no team has overcome a 3–0 deficit.

Year and series Series Winner Series Loser Note(s)
1968 Eastern Division finals Boston Celtics Philadelphia 76ers The Celtics won two games on the road during the comeback, and also won the NBA Finals.[16]
1970 Western Division semifinals Los Angeles Lakers Phoenix Suns The Lakers later reach the NBA Finals, where they lost to the New York Knicks in seven games.[16]
1979 Eastern Conference finals Washington Bullets San Antonio Spurs Reach NBA Finals, where they lost to Seattle SuperSonics in five games.[16]
1981 Eastern Conference finals Boston Celtics Philadelphia 76ers Won the NBA Finals, won games five and six by two points each, and game seven by one point.[16]
1995 Western Conference semifinals Houston Rockets Phoenix Suns Also trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series and eventually back-to-back NBA Finals, where they swept the Shaq-led Orlando Magic in four games; second time a team won two games on the road from the 3–1 deficit.[16]
1997 Eastern Conference semifinals Miami Heat New York Knicks A players' fight in Game 5 resulted in the suspension of several key Knicks players, including Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, and Charlie Ward for Game 6, and John Starks and Larry Johnson for Game 7 in Miami.[16]
2003 Eastern Conference first round Detroit Pistons Orlando Magic First year the first round expanded to a best-of-seven series.[16]
2006 Western Conference first round Phoenix Suns Los Angeles Lakers With the Lakers' comeback in 1970, this was the first time in NBA history where two franchises have overcome a 3–1 series deficit to win against one another.[16]
2015 Western Conference semifinals Houston Rockets Los Angeles Clippers Doc Rivers became first coach to blow multiple 3–1 leads after also coaching the Magic in 2003.[16][17]
2016 Western Conference finals Golden State Warriors Oklahoma City Thunder Leandro Barbosa became the first player to be part of multiple 3–1 comebacks after also playing for the Suns in 2006.[16][18]
2016 NBA Finals Cleveland Cavaliers Golden State Warriors The first time a 3–1 deficit has been overcome in the NBA Finals; Golden State also had the NBA's best-ever regular season record of 73–9 and were considered heavy favorites to win the title; third time a team won two away games from the 3–1 deficit; the Warriors became first NBA team to overcome a 3–1 deficit and then blow a 3–1 lead in the same playoff year.[16][19][20]
2020 Western Conference first round[note 1] Denver Nuggets Utah Jazz In Game 7, Nikola Jokić scored the go-ahead hook shot with 27.8 seconds remaining in regulation. Mike Conley Jr.'s potential series-winning three-pointer at the buzzer rimmed out.
2020 Western Conference semifinals[note 1] Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Clippers First NBA team to come back from 3–1 deficit back-to-back in a playoff run; fourth team to win two games as the designated road team during the comeback.[16][21][22][23] Second blown 3–1 series lead in Clippers' franchise history and second such blown lead in five years; only the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns have blown two 3–1 series leads (albeit in a much longer time period). Third such blown lead for head coach Doc Rivers.

Unsuccessful comebacks

edit

NBA teams have overcome 3–1 deficits to force a seventh game 22 times, only to lose the series. In four of these instances, a team was down 3–0 in the series.

Year and series Series Loser Series Winner Note(s)
1951 NBA Finals New York Knicks Rochester Royals The Knicks become the first team to force a seventh game after falling behind 3–0 in the series.
1966 Western Division finals St. Louis Hawks Los Angeles Lakers
1966 NBA Finals Los Angeles Lakers Boston Celtics
1971 Eastern Conference semifinals Philadelphia 76ers Baltimore Bullets
1973 Eastern Conference finals Boston Celtics New York Knicks The Knicks become the first team avoid losing an NBA playoff series after squandering a 3–1 lead by winning the seventh game on the road. First game seven loss in Celtics history.
1978 Western Conference semifinals Milwaukee Bucks Denver Nuggets First NBA playoff series victory for the Nuggets.
1979 Eastern Conference semifinals Atlanta Hawks Washington Bullets Remains the most recent season the Bullets/Wizards franchise has advanced past this round of the playoffs.
Philadelphia 76ers San Antonio Spurs First NBA playoff series victory in Spurs history. San Antonio would again be forced to a seventh game after having a 3–1 series lead in the Conference Finals, but this time lost the seventh game.
1981 Western Conference semifinals Phoenix Suns Kansas City Kings The Kings became the first team in NBA playoff history seeded lower than fourth in the conference to eliminate the top-seeded team in the conference in the Conference Semifinals.
1982 Eastern Conference finals Boston Celtics Philadelphia 76ers The 76ers avoided losing a 3–1 series advantage to the Celtics for a third time (and a second time in as many years). This currently remains the only seventh game the 76ers/Nationals franchise has won on the road.
1987 Eastern Conference semifinals Milwaukee Bucks Boston Celtics
1994 Western Conference semifinals Denver Nuggets Utah Jazz The Nuggets became the second NBA team to overcome a 3–0 series deficit to force a seventh game after becoming the first No. 8 seed to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the First Round.
1995 Eastern Conference semifinals New York Knicks Indiana Pacers Patrick Ewing's game-tying layup attempt at the buzzer just misses as the Pacers avenge their playoff series losses to the Knicks over the previous two seasons.
1996 Western Conference finals Utah Jazz Seattle SuperSonics
1997 Western Conference semifinals Seattle SuperSonics Houston Rockets Houston avenges their playoff series loss against the SuperSonics in the previous year's Conference Semifinals.
2000 Western Conference finals Portland Trail Blazers Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles overcomes a 15-point deficit with ten minutes remaining to comeback in game seven while denying the Trail Blazers of a series comeback in the process.
2003 Western Conference first round Portland Trail Blazers Dallas Mavericks The Trail Blazers become the third NBA team to force a seventh game after falling behind 3–0 in the series.
2006 Western Conference semifinals San Antonio Spurs Dallas Mavericks The Mavericks become the first NBA team to deny the comeback by winning the seventh game in overtime.
2012 Western Conference first round Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies Los Angeles Clippers
2013 Eastern Conference first round Brooklyn Nets Chicago Bulls
2023 Eastern Conference finals Boston Celtics Miami Heat Celtics became the first team to host a game seven after trailing 3–0 in a series.

National Hockey League

edit

Successful comebacks

edit

NHL teams have overcome 3–1 deficits 32 times, the most recent instance being accomplished by the Florida Panthers during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs.[24] The Rangers, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Montreal Canadiens are tied with the most successful 3–1 series comebacks in the NHL, with three. Four times a team comeback from 3–0 down and only one instance has occurred during the Stanley Cup Finals, accomplished in 1942 by the Toronto Maple Leafs, who initially trailed 3–0.[25]

Year and series Series Winner Series Loser Note(s)
1942 Stanley Cup Finals Toronto Maple Leafs Detroit Red Wings Only time in the Stanley Cup Finals; overcame 3–0 deficit.
1975 Stanley Cup quarterfinals New York Islanders Pittsburgh Penguins Overcame 3–0 deficit; won 8 games while facing elimination.[26]
1987 Patrick Division semifinals New York Islanders Washington Capitals First year the opening round was a seven-game series; game seven was the Easter Epic.[27][28]
1987 Norris Division finals Detroit Red Wings Toronto Maple Leafs Trailed 2–0 in the series before coming back to win the series.[29][30]
1988 Patrick Division semifinals Washington Capitals Philadelphia Flyers Capitals trailed 3–0 in game seven before completing the comeback in OT.
1989 Smythe Division semifinals Los Angeles Kings Edmonton Oilers Los Angeles dethroned the two-time defending champion Oilers in Wayne Gretzky's first season with LA following the trade between the two teams.[31]
1990 Smythe Division semifinals Edmonton Oilers Winnipeg Jets Went on to win the Stanley Cup.
1991 Norris Division semifinals St. Louis Blues Detroit Red Wings St. Louis outscored Detroit 12–3 over the last three games.[32]
1992 Norris Division semifinals Detroit Red Wings Minnesota North Stars Trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series.[33]
1992 Smythe Division semifinals Vancouver Canucks Winnipeg Jets Canucks won game five by six goals and games six and seven by five goals each.[33]
1992 Patrick Division semifinals Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals Trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series and eventually the Stanley Cup.[34][35]
1994 Western Conference quarterfinals Vancouver Canucks Calgary Flames The final three games all required overtime (game seven needed 2OT).[36]
1995 Eastern Conference quarterfinals Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals Second time Washington has blown a 3–1 series lead to Pittsburgh.[37][38][39]
1998 Western Conference quarterfinals Edmonton Oilers Colorado Avalanche Curtis Joseph stopped 92/93 shots over the last three games.[40]
1999 Western Conference quarterfinals St. Louis Blues Phoenix Coyotes Third blown 3–1 lead in franchise history; team relocated from Winnipeg in 1996.[41]
2000 Eastern Conference finals New Jersey Devils Philadelphia Flyers Won the Stanley Cup.[42][43]
2003 Western Conference quarterfinals Minnesota Wild Colorado Avalanche First playoff series in Minnesota Wild franchise history.
Vancouver Canucks St. Louis Blues Third 3–1 deficit comeback in Canucks' franchise history.[44]
2003 Western Conference semifinals Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks The Wild became first NHL team to overcome two 3–1 deficits in a single playoff year; both teams overcame 3–1 deficits in the Conference Quarterfinals; the Canucks became the first NHL team to comeback from 3–1 deficit and then blow a 3–1 lead in the same playoff year.
2004 Eastern Conference quarterfinals Montreal Canadiens Boston Bruins Trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series.[45][46]
2009 Eastern Conference quarterfinals Washington Capitals New York Rangers Trailed 2–0 in the series before rallying to win the series.[47]
2010 Eastern Conference quarterfinals Montreal Canadiens Washington Capitals Capitals' fourth blown 3–1 lead after winning the Presidents' Trophy.
2010 Eastern Conference semifinals Philadelphia Flyers Boston Bruins Overcame a 3–0 deficit in the series and a 3–0 goals deficit in Game 7.[48]
2011 Eastern Conference quarterfinals Tampa Bay Lightning Pittsburgh Penguins Penguins' second blown 3–1 series lead.[49][50]
2013 Western Conference semifinals Chicago Blackhawks Detroit Red Wings Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. Red Wings' third blown 3–1 series lead.[51][52]
2014 Western Conference first round Los Angeles Kings San Jose Sharks Overcame 3–0 deficit; went on to win the Stanley Cup.
2014 Eastern Conference Second Round New York Rangers Pittsburgh Penguins Penguins' third blown 3–1 series lead.[53]
2015 Eastern Conference second round New York Rangers Washington Capitals Capitals' fifth blown 3–1 lead in franchise history. Rangers become first team to a overcome 3–1 series deficit to win a series in consecutive years.[54][55]
2019 Western Conference first round San Jose Sharks Vegas Golden Knights The Sharks punctuated their series comeback against the Golden Knights by coming back in game seven from a 3–0 third period deficit, highlighted by Barclay Goodrow's series-winning overtime goal.[56][57] First blown 3–1 series lead in Golden Knights' franchise history.
2021 North Division first round Montreal Canadiens Toronto Maple Leafs Third 3–1 deficit comeback in Canadiens' franchise history. The loss in game seven for Toronto marked its eighth straight loss in potential series-clinching games, along with losing a winner-take-all game of a playoff series in four consecutive seasons. The Canadiens later reached the Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in five games.
2022 Eastern Conference first round New York Rangers Pittsburgh Penguins Penguins' fourth blown 3–1 series lead. It was also the second time that the Penguins blew a 3–1 series lead to the Rangers. The Rangers tie the Canadiens and Canucks for most successful 3–1 series comebacks, with three. Become the only team to accomplish the feat while trailing at some point in all three elimination games, including trailing by two goals in both games five & six.
2023 Eastern Conference first round Florida Panthers Boston Bruins Bruins' third blown 3–1 series lead after winning the Presidents' Trophy. This occurred the same season the Bruins set the league record for most wins and points in a single regular season and the first time since 2019 that the Presidents' Trophy winner were defeated in the first round.

Unsuccessful comebacks

edit

NHL teams have managed to force a seventh game while facing a 3–1 series deficit 33 times, only to lose the series in the seventh game subsequently. Six instances consisted of falling behind 3–0 in the series before losing in Game Seven.

Year and series Series Loser Series Winner Note(s)
1939 Stanley Cup semifinals New York Rangers Boston Bruins This was also the first time a team forced a seventh game after falling behind 3–0 in the series. Mel Hill scored the series-winning goal in the third overtime for Boston in the second-longest game seven played in NHL history.
1945 Stanley Cup Finals Detroit Red Wings Toronto Maple Leafs The Red Wings nearly turned the tables on the Maple Leafs after losing the 1942 Stanley Cup Finals after squandering a 3–0 series lead after falling behind 3–0 in this series. However, Babe Pratt of the Maple Leafs scored the eventual series-winning goal with under eight minutes remaining in game seven. This was also the first game seven of a Cup Final in which the road team won.
1954 Stanley Cup Finals Montreal Canadiens Detroit Red Wings Tony Leswick scores the series-winning goal in overtime.
1968 Stanley Cup quarterfinals Philadelphia Flyers St. Louis Blues The Flyers forced the seventh game with Andre Lacroix scoring the game-tying goal with 15 seconds remaining facing elimination in game six.
1975 Stanley Cup semifinals New York Islanders Philadelphia Flyers The Islanders nearly came back from a 3–0 deficit in consecutive playoff series winning eight elimination games in their first playoff appearance in franchise history. However, Rick MacLeish's hat trick in game seven proved to be the difference.[58]
1981 Stanley Cup quarterfinals Philadelphia Flyers Calgary Flames The Flames scored three power play goals in the seventh game to advance to the Stanley Cup Semifinals in their first season since relocating from Atlanta.
1984 Smythe Division finals Calgary Flames Edmonton Oilers Edmonton eliminated Calgary in the Division Finals for the second consecutive season.
1987 Patrick Division finals New York Islanders Philadelphia Flyers The Islanders nearly overcame a 3–1 series deficit in consecutive playoff series following their comeback against Washington in the Patrick Division Semifinals. But in similarity to 1975, the Flyers won game seven.[59][60]
1987 Stanley Cup Finals Philadelphia Flyers Edmonton Oilers Edmonton newspapers planned victory parades ahead of game five. However, the Flyers overcame two-goal deficits in both games five and six.[61][62][63]
1991 Smythe Division semifinals Calgary Flames Edmonton Oilers Calgary opened up a three-goal lead at home in the first period of game seven. Esa Tikkanen of Edmonton started and completed the comeback in game seven by scoring the series-winning goal in overtime to complete the hat trick become just the second team to win a seventh game after overcoming a three-goal deficit.[64]
1992 Adams Division semifinals Buffalo Sabres Boston Bruins Dave Reid scored the series-winning goal for Boston with just over eight minutes remaining in game seven to close out Buffalo after being shutout in game five and surrendering nine goals in game six.[65]
1994 Stanley Cup Finals Vancouver Canucks New York Rangers Just like Edmonton did prior to game five of the 1987 Finals, New York set the date for a victory parade ahead of game five.[66][67][68] The Rangers never trailed in game seven, winning their first Stanley Cup in 54 years and putting an end to the Curse of 1940.[69]
2000 Western Conference quarterfinals St. Louis Blues San Jose Sharks Owen Nolan scored the eventual series-winning goal with just over ten seconds remaining in the opening period by blasting a shot from just inside the red line as San Jose eliminated the Presidents' Trophy winners.[70]
2001 Western Conference semifinals Los Angeles Kings Colorado Avalanche After the Kings held the Avalanche scoreless for a stretch of 162:53 between games four to seven, the Avalanche finally broke through with five goals in game seven (including four goals in the third period). Chris Drury scored the series-winner just over three minutes into the third period to eliminate Los Angeles.[71]
2002 Western Conference quarterfinals Los Angeles Kings Colorado Avalanche For the second consecutive year, Chris Drury scores the series-winning goal for Colorado.[72]
2003 Eastern Conference finals Ottawa Senators New Jersey Devils Jamie Langenbrunner's two goals and Jeff Friesen's series-winner with just over two minutes remaining in game seven propels the Devils to their fourth Stanley Cup Finals in nine years while avoiding becoming the fourth team in the 2003 playoffs to lose a series after leading 3–1.
2006 Stanley Cup Finals Edmonton Oilers Carolina Hurricanes The Oilers rallied to force a seventh game on the strength of Fernando Pisani's game-winners in games five and six (game five while shorthanded in overtime), and Jussi Markkanen's shutout in game six. However, Edmonton's Cinderella run as the West's eighth seed ended as Carolina never trailed in game seven and won their first Stanley Cup. Until the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals (which also involved the Oilers coming back from a series deficit but losing game seven), this was the most recent Cup Final in which a team had forced a seventh game after trailing the series 3–1, and was also the most recent Cup Final in which the seventh game was won on the home ice of the winning team.
2007 Western Conference quarterfinals Dallas Stars Vancouver Canucks Marty Turco holds Vancouver scoreless for 167:05 to rally Dallas in the series before Vancouver managed to break through with four goals in the final 25 minutes of game seven to advance.
2008 Eastern Conference quarterfinals Boston Bruins Montreal Canadiens Boston rallies against Montreal in the series primarily from scoring four goals in the third period in both games five and six. However, Montreal dominated game seven with them winning 5–0 to avoid the upset.
Washington Capitals Philadelphia Flyers Game seven went to overtime, where Joffrey Lupul scored for Philadelphia.
2009 Eastern Conference semifinals Boston Bruins Carolina Hurricanes Scott Walker scored the series-winning goal in overtime as Carolina won their fourth straight playoff series dating back to 2006 that lasted seven games.
2011 Western Conference quarterfinals Chicago Blackhawks Vancouver Canucks The defending champions were also behind 3–0 in the series before routing the Presidents' Trophy winners in games four and five to send the series back to Chicago where Ben Smith scored the overtime winner to force the seventh game. After trailing for much of game seven, Jonathan Toews tied the game shorthanded with just under two minutes left. Game seven also headed to overtime, where Chicago's comeback attempt failed when Alexandre Burrows took advantage of a Chris Campoli turnover to beat Corey Crawford.
2011 Western Conference semifinals Detroit Red Wings San Jose Sharks Detroit also forced a seventh game after falling behind 3–0 to make 2011 the only playoff year in which two different teams have forced a seventh game after trailing 3–0 in the series.
2013 Eastern Conference quarterfinals Toronto Maple Leafs Boston Bruins Boston prevented Toronto's series comeback attempt by coming back in game seven from a 4–1 third period deficit, which was punctuated by Patrice Bergeron's game-tying goal and series-winning overtime goal.
2014 Western Conference Finals Chicago Blackhawks Los Angeles Kings Like in 2011, the defending champion Blackhawks' comeback bid falls short in overtime as Alec Martinez's overtime goal rallies the Kings from a two-goal deficit in game seven.
2016 Western Conference first round Chicago Blackhawks St. Louis Blues Once again, the defending champion Blackhawks were thwarted from completing a series comeback when former Blackhawk Troy Brouwer scored the series-winning goal in the third period of game seven.
2017 Eastern Conference second round Washington Capitals Pittsburgh Penguins Bryan Rust scores the series-winning goal to eliminate the Presidents' Trophy Capitals for the second straight year.
2018 Eastern Conference first round Toronto Maple Leafs Boston Bruins Boston once again comes from behind in the third period to avoid blowing a 3–1 series lead as Jake DeBrusk scores the series-winner.
2020 Western Conference second round[note 1] Colorado Avalanche Dallas Stars Joel Kiviranta scores a hat trick along with the series-winning goal in overtime.
Vancouver Canucks Vegas Golden Knights Shea Theodore scores the opening goal of the game with just over six minutes remaining in regulation which would turn out to be the series winner.
2020 Eastern Conference second round[note 1] Philadelphia Flyers New York Islanders After winning games five and six in OT and 2OT respectively, the Flyers were shutout 4–0 by the Islanders throughout all of game seven. Scott Mayfield scored the opening goal of game seven for New York, which would stand as the series-winner. This game seven was the third time these two franchises have met in a seventh game with all three times where one team trailed 3–1 in the series, forcing a game seven, but subsequently losing it.
2021 West Division first round Minnesota Wild Vegas Golden Knights This was the third straight year in which Vegas held a 3–1 series advantage in a playoff series, only to be forced to a seventh game. However, Mattias Janmark's hat trick and Max Pacioretty's series-winning goal allow Vegas to win 6–2. This was the Wild's first game seven loss in franchise history.
2024 Eastern Conference first round Toronto Maple Leafs Boston Bruins This was the fourth consecutive series between the Bruins and Leafs to go to seven games, and second consecutive series which Boston held a 3–1 series lead, only to be forced to a game seven. Boston won game seven 2–1 in overtime. Had Boston blown their series lead, they would have been the first team across NHL, NBA, and MLB history to do so in consecutive years.
2024 Stanley Cup Finals Edmonton Oilers Florida Panthers Trailed 3–0; Panthers won first Stanley Cup in franchise history.


See also

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e f Played at a neutral site

References

edit
  1. ^ Simon, Andrew (October 29, 2016). "From down 3-1, Cubs working on more history". MLB.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  2. ^ "1903 World Series". MLB.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "These teams came back from 3-1 deficits". MLB.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "MLB teams overcome a 3-1 deficit more often than you probably realise". www.sportingnews.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  5. ^ "October 17, 1979: 'Pops' Stargell named MVP as Pirates complete World Series comeback – Society for American Baseball Research". Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  6. ^ "Braves 15, Cardinals 0". AP NEWS. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  7. ^ Frey, Jennifer (1996-10-18). "BRAVES LAY DOWN CARDS, PICK UP PENNANT". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  8. ^ "Red Sox Crush Yankees in Historic Comeback". NPR.org. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  9. ^ "Drehs: Giants complete improbable comeback, advance to NLCS". ESPN.com. 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  10. ^ "Knight: The Cardinals finally fall, hard". ESPN.com. 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  11. ^ "Cubs complete uphill Series comeback". MLB.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  12. ^ Waldstein, David (2020-10-19). "Dodgers Rally to Win N.L.C.S. and Reach 3rd World Series in 4 Years". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  13. ^ Nightengale, Bob. "'The Rays are a damn good team': Tampa Bay fights off Houston in ALCS Game 7, advance to World Series". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  14. ^ "'A pretty special feeling': Rays headed to WS". MLB.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  15. ^ "NBA Playoff 3-1 Comebacks". Sports Illustrated. May 18, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "This Date in NBA History (May 30): Warriors win Game 7, complete 3-1 comeback vs. Thunder in 2016 Western Conference Finals". NBA.com Canada | The official site of the NBA. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  17. ^ May 18, foxsports; ET, 2015 at 11:22a (2015-05-18). "Rockets come back from 3-1 to advance to conference finals". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2021-05-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Isola, Frank. "Steph Curry and Warriors come back from 3-1 series deficit, defeat Thunder in Game 7, 96-88, to advance to NBA Finals". nydailynews.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  19. ^ Milestones, Bleacher Report. "Cavaliers Become 1st Team to Overcome 3-1 Deficit in NBA Finals". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  20. ^ "This Date in NBA History (June 19): Cavaliers edge Warriors in Game 7, complete historic 3-1 Finals comeback in 2016 and more". NBA.com Canada | The official site of the NBA. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  21. ^ Zillgitt, Jeff. "Opinion: Resiliency of Nuggets on display as they complete comeback from 3-1 down vs. Jazz". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  22. ^ Zillgitt, Jeff. "Nuggets stun Clippers, make NBA history in completing another 3-1 series comeback". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  23. ^ "Nuggets Overcome a 3-1 Deficit (Again), Advance to Western Conference Finals". Action Network. 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  24. ^ "NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Comebacks". hockey-reference.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  25. ^ Prewitt, Alex (June 9, 2016). "Flying fish, fists and fines: Toronto's epic 0-3 Stanley Cup comeback". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  26. ^ Michel Anderson 2 years ago Follow @TLOMitch (2019-04-15). "New York Islanders 1975 Historic Playoff Comeback Against Penguins". Eyes On Isles. Retrieved 2021-05-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ Proteau, Adam. "Recalling the Easter Epic 25 years on". The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  28. ^ "Islanders Win Game and Series From Capitals in 4th Overtime". Los Angeles Times. 1987-04-19. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  29. ^ "N.H.L. PLAYOFFS; Red Wings Cap A Rare Comeback". The New York Times. AP. 1987-05-04. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  30. ^ "Stanley Cup Playoffs : Detroit Faces Oilers After Maple Leafs Crumble". Los Angeles Times. 1987-05-04. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  31. ^ "The Puck Stops Here for Oilers : Kings Score 6-3 Victory to Finish Off Comeback, Defending Champions". Los Angeles Times. 1989-04-16. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  32. ^ "HOCKEY; Oilers, in an Overtime, And Blues Take Series". The New York Times. AP. 1991-04-17. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  33. ^ a b "NHL PLAYOFFS : Red Wings Eliminate North Stars". Los Angeles Times. 1992-05-01. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  34. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1992-05-02). "HOCKEY; Penguins Oust Tight-Throated Capitals". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  35. ^ BOSWELL, THOMAS (1992-05-02). "LEMIEUX: EFFORTLESS, EFFECTIVE". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  36. ^ "CANUCKS OUST THE FLAMES IN DOUBLE OT". Deseret News. Associated Press. 1994-05-01. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  37. ^ "1995 N.H.L. PLAYOFFS; Penguins Finish Comeback". The New York Times. The Associated Press. 1995-05-19. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  38. ^ "washingtonpost.com: Capitals' Season Ends as Penguins Rally From 3-1 Deficit". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  39. ^ "Washingtonpost.com: Caps Dumbfounded by Loss to Penguins". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  40. ^ "Race Is Wide Open After Rash of Upsets". Los Angeles Times. 1998-05-06. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  41. ^ "Washingtonpost.com: Blues Advance With Overtime Win Over Coyotes". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  42. ^ Diamos, Jason (2000-05-28). "HOCKEY; Comeback By the Devils Extra Hard on the Flyers". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  43. ^ "Flyers, Lindros Floored by Devils". Los Angeles Times. 2000-05-27. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  44. ^ "Blues vs. Canucks - Game Recap - April 22, 2003". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  45. ^ "A Comeback for the Ages | Historical Website of the Montreal Canadiens". ourhistory.canadiens.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  46. ^ "ROUNDUP: N.H.L. PLAYOFFS; Canadiens And Flames Move On". The New York Times. The Associated Press. 2004-04-20. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  47. ^ "Rangers vs. Capitals - Game Recap - April 28, 2009". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  48. ^ "Bruins' collapse leaves players, fans empty". ESPN.com. 2010-05-15. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  49. ^ "Photos: Penguins Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round One, Game Seven". The Times. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  50. ^ "Lightning vs. Penguins - Game Recap - April 27, 2011". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 9, 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  51. ^ "Red Wings vs. Blackhawks - Game Recap - May 29, 2013". ESPN. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  52. ^ Strauss, Ben (2013-05-30). "Chicago Caps Series Comeback With Overtime Goal". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  53. ^ Klein, Jeff Z. (2014-05-13). "At Their Best on the Brink". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  54. ^ Rohan, Tim (2015-05-14). "Sudden Life: Rangers Advance With Game 7 Win Over Capitals". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  55. ^ Prewitt, Alex (2015-05-13). "Rangers continue Game 7 mastery of Capitals". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  56. ^ "Sharks' comeback to win Game 7 against Golden Knights gives dads thrill". NHL.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  57. ^ "Sharks epic comeback against Golden Knights lights up social media". NHL.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  58. ^ "Maven's Memories: Isles Almost Pull Off Another Miracle Vs Flyers". NHL.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  59. ^ "Stanley Cup Playoffs : Flyers Don't Believe in Miracles, Oust Islanders, 5-1". Los Angeles Times. 1987-05-03. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  60. ^ Finn, Robin (1987-05-03). "N.H.L. PLAYOFFS; ISLANDERS ARE LEVELED BY FLYERS, 5-1". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  61. ^ Finn, Robin (1987-05-29). "FLYERS RALLY ONCE MORE, PUSH CUP FINAL TO LIMIT". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  62. ^ Fachet, Robert (1987-05-31). "OILERS-FLYERS SHOWDOWN WILL DETERMINE STANLEY CUP". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  63. ^ Fachet, Robert (1987-05-30). "STANLEY CUP MAGIC FLYERS FIND FORMULA". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  64. ^ "Oilers Work Overtime to Earn Series With Kings : Smythe Division: Edmonton beats Calgary, 5-4, on Tikkanen's third goal of the game". Los Angeles Times. 1991-04-17. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  65. ^ "Buffalo Sabres at Boston Bruins Box Score — May 1, 1992". Hockey-Reference.com. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  66. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1994-06-10). "STANLEY CUP FINALS; Party Poopers! Canucks Postpone Rangers' Plans". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  67. ^ Moran, Malcolm (1994-06-11). "STANLEY CUP FINALS; Rangers' Run Is Slowed by Canucks' Rush". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  68. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1994-06-12). "STANLEY CUP FINALS; Rangers Sent Staggering Back Home for Game 7". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  69. ^ Lapointe, Joe (1994-06-15). "STANLEY CUP FINALS; No More 1940! Rangers Are Champs!". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  70. ^ "Sharks Ruin Spirit of St. Louis". Los Angeles Times. 2000-04-26. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  71. ^ "Seventh Heaven for Avalanche". Los Angeles Times. 2001-05-10. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
  72. ^ "HOCKEY; Avalanche Advances". The New York Times. The Associated Press. 2002-04-30. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-05-09.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_teams_that_have_overcome_3–1_series_deficits&oldid=1252585712"